Strand Releasing acquires “Mala Mala”

California-based distribution company Strand Releasing has secured the North American rights to Mala Mala, a doc exploring Puerto Rico's trans and drag communities.

California-based distributor Strand Releasing has secured the North American rights to Mala Mala, a doc exploring Puerto Rico’s trans and drag communities.

Premiering to critical acclaim at 2014′s Tribeca Film Festival, the doc, directed by Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini, immerses viewers in a three-year exploration of self-discovery at the heart of the transliberation movement in the American territory. The film also traces efforts focused on campaigning for government-recognized human rights, detailed stories of working in the sex industry, and performances as part of drag troupe, “The Doll House.”

“We are very proud of Mala Mala and excited to get it out into the world with longtime friends and collaborators at Strand,” said Christine Vachon, exec producer for Killer Films, in a statement.

“We hope this Puerto Rican trans fairytale adds force to the new transliberation movement and finally sparks the conversation about the United States’ complex relationship with its colony, Puerto Rico,” added Santini. “Young Latinos are in need of more stories that help them understand and appreciate their culture and roots.”

Produced by the Santini and Sickles-owned El Peligro Productions, Mala Mala is exec produced by Vachon and Pamela Koffler for Killer Films. The deal for the film was negotiated by Jon Gerrans on behalf of Strand Releasing.